The carbon cycle is the process in which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment.
STEP ONE
Carbon enters the atmosphere as carbon dioxide through respiration and combustion.
Carbon enters the atmosphere as carbon dioxide through respiration and combustion.
STEP TWO
Carbon dioxide is absorbed by producers that use it for photosynthesis and make carbohydrates.
Carbon dioxide is absorbed by producers that use it for photosynthesis and make carbohydrates.
STEP THREE
Animals eat the plants and the carbon compounds are passed along the food chain. Most carbon that is consumed is exhaled as carbon dioxide.
Animals eat the plants and the carbon compounds are passed along the food chain. Most carbon that is consumed is exhaled as carbon dioxide.
STEP FOUR
Dead organisms are broken down by decomposers. The carbon in their bodies is returned to the air as carbon dioxide.
Dead organisms are broken down by decomposers. The carbon in their bodies is returned to the air as carbon dioxide.